What to see in France

Stay at the best campsites in Le Crotoy on the Baie de Somme

Le Crotoy
Le Crotoy

Nestling in the heart of the magnificent Baie de Somme, the seaside resort of Le Crotoy, just two hours from Paris, is home to 11 campsites offering a unique outdoor holiday experience. Choose a camping holiday in the town of Le Crotoy and enjoy a destination where the sea, fine sand and nature combine to create a memorable holiday.

Le Crotoy campsites, in the heart of the bay

No fewer than 11 campsites in Le Crotoy, from 1 to 4 stars, await you for your next holiday in the Somme.

Among them, LE RIDIN**** stands out for its heated water park with indoor pool and waterslides, perfect for swimming all year round.

Just 500 metres from the town centre and with direct access to the beach, LA PRAIRIE**** campsite offers 152 pitches in a 3.2 hectare wooded meadow. The shaded areas under the pine and tamarisk trees offer a soothing retreat after a day on the beach.

Both establishments offer a children's play area, a bike hire service and a snack bar for a stress-free holiday.

The pleasure of a south-facing beach

The beach at Le Crotoy in the Bay of the Somme
The beach at Le Crotoy in the Bay of the Somme© iStock

Le Crotoy's fine sandy beach is unique on the north coast of France: its south-facing aspect ensures maximum sunshine throughout the day. Nature lovers will love the changing landscapes created by the tides; at low tide, the beach stretches as far as the eye can see, providing a fantastic playground for children.

Board sports reign supreme on this golden expanse. The sea breezes provide ideal conditions for sand yachting and kitesurfing. Families can enjoy sandcastles or explore the salt meadows, a veritable ecological treasure trove.

At low tide, the sea gives way to a vast expanse ideal for walking. Nature guides organise fascinating outings to observe the local fauna, in particular the seals that have made the bay their home.

Visiting Le Crotoy: what to do in the town centre and on the harbour?

The historic heart of Le Crotoy invites you to stroll along its typical cobbled streets. Local craft shops and art galleries liven up this authentic district where fishermen's houses stand alongside old seaside villas.

In the traditional fishing port, the stalls of the fishmongers sell their fresh arrivals every morning. On Saturdays, the fish market becomes a popular meeting place for fishermen and visitors alike. The restaurants in the town centre feature local seafood in a carefully prepared cuisine that reflects the region's maritime identity. Bouchot mussels, cockles and samphire garnish the plates, while the lively terraces offer a breathtaking view of the boats dancing to the rhythm of the waves.

A weekly market takes place in Place Jeanne d'Arc every Tuesday morning, featuring local produce and Picardy specialities.

Live to the rhythm of the tides... and the festivities

Nature and safety outings in the bay: check tide times and marine weather forecasts

Le Crotoy is an ideal starting point for exploring one of the most beautiful bays in the world: the Bay of the Somme. Accompanied by a naturalist guide, you can cross the bay on foot, observe the seals at the Pointe du Hourdel or discover the typical flora of salt meadows, such as glasswort and obione. These unique experiences are closely linked to the tidal cycle, which can be surprisingly rapid: the sea sometimes rises "at the speed of a galloping horse", as the local saying goes.

To enjoy the bay in complete safety, it is essential to plan your outing according to the tide times. It is strongly recommended that you leave the bay at least 3 hours before high tide if you are unaccompanied. You can consult the 2025 tide tables to plan your outings or water-based activities (kayaking, paddling, fishing, etc.).

A calendar of events all year round

In addition to its natural treasures, Le Crotoy has a lively and friendly local life. The Marées d'Humour festival, held every year around Ascension weekend, welcomes comedians and live shows in a friendly atmosphere. It's a highlight of the cultural season.

In summer, the bandstand on the seafront is the venue for open-air concerts, often free of charge, ranging from French chanson to jazz, as well as local brass bands. Local markets, temporary exhibitions and traditional festivals also punctuate the summer months. It's a great opportunity to discover Le Crotoy in a different way, as you meet new people.

Weekend in the Baie de Somme: must-see sites

The Bay of the Somme is a natural area covering 70 km² and is home to exceptional flora and fauna. It has been awarded the "Grand site de France" label.

Just a few minutes from the Saint-Quentin-en-Tourmont campsites, the Parc du Marquenterre unveils its 200 hectares of birdwatching. This natural sanctuary is home to up to 300 species of migratory birds throughout the year.

Head to Cayeux-sur-Mer for its unique 2km-long boardwalk, lined with 400 multicoloured beach huts. A remarkable seaside heritage that bears witness to the first sea baths.

Where can you see seals in Le Crotoy?

Seals in the Bay of the Somme
Seals in the Bay of the Somme© Altimage

The Baie de Somme nature reserve is well worth exploring from the campsites in Le Crotoy. Guided walks will lead you to discover calf seals (to be seen near Le Hourdel / Cap Hornu), as well as grey seals. You can also see the famous salt meadow sheep in the pastures around the bay, particularly near Saint-Valery and Le Crotoy.

What's the most beautiful place on the Baie de Somme?

There are several choices, but the panorama from Cap Hornu in Saint-Valery-sur-Somme is particularly noteworthy:

  • It boasts breathtaking views over the whole bay, particularly at low tide with its meandering sand and changing reflections.
  • Here you can spot seals, especially at ebb tide.
  • It's also a perfect spot for sunsets, which are often spectacular.
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